Selene

female

Origin

From Greek Σελήνη (Sēlēnē), meaning 'Moon'. The name Selene is rooted in ancient Greek mythology, where Selene was the goddess of the Moon. The name has been adopted in various cultures, including in Australia, often inspired by its mythological and celestial connotations.

Meaning

Literal translation: 'Moon'. In Australian English contexts, Selene connotes brightness, femininity, and serenity associated with the moon’s gentle light.

Pronunciation

/səˈliːn/ (suh-LEEN) - Stress on the second syllable, with a long 'ee' vowel sound in the second syllable, pronounced with a standard Australian English accent.

Variants & Nicknames

Variants

  • Selina
  • Celina
  • Celine
  • Selene

Nicknames

  • Selae
  • Lene
  • Sel

Name Days

  • 02 March (Coptic Orthodox Feast of the Moon)
  • Unknown in mainstream Christian calendars, but celebrated in some neopagan and pagan communities in Australia.
  • Cultural contexts such as Mabo Day or Indigenous celebrations do not traditionally observe this name, but lunar festivals are often significant in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with selene:

  • Mary and Selene
  • Anna and Selene
  • Luna and Selene

Fun Facts

  • Selene is a popular name among Australian artists and performers, often chosen for its celestial vibe.
  • The name resembles 'Selina', which has also gained popularity in Australia, especially in the 1980s.
  • In Australian pop culture, Selene was the name of a character in a popular comic series adapted into films.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name selene:

  • Dreamy
  • Elegant
  • Serene
  • Creative

Aesthetic Qualities

Elegant and classical, often associated with celestial, ethereal visual imagery. Suitable for artistic and literary branding due to its soft yet lyrical appearance.

Geographical Distribution

More common in urban areas such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, with a higher likelihood of use among families with an interest in astronomy, mythology, or European classical culture.

Numerological Significance

Name number 7 in numerology, associated with introspection, spirituality, and analytical minds. Often connected to individuals with a deep sense of intuition and curiosity.

Astrological Connections

Linked to lunar influences, symbolising femininity, intuition, and emotional depth. Suitable for those born under the Moon or major lunar phases, aligning with personal growth themes.

Historical Context

The name has classical roots, inspired by Greek mythology. In Australian culture, it has gained popularity through pop culture references and celestial themes. Notable bearers include Australian performers and fictional characters in literature and media.

Linguistic Adaptability

Easily adaptable across languages; variants appear in Latin, Greek, and French. Maintains recognition across European and Asian linguistic contexts, with local pronunciation adjustments.

Famous People Named selene

  • Selene Seyb (Artist)
  • Selene in Australian manga adaptations
  • Selene Cross (Author)

Popularity in Australia

Year Count
2024 3
2017 1